Daily servings of encouragement those w/ illness or pain, a program of Rest Ministries

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What Can We Do While In The Waiting Room?

Can God redeem the time we spend waiting, not just on Him but in all the areas we wait while we manage our chronic illness?

“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:14).

You know the drill. Wait . . . wait . . . and wait some more.

We wait in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Wait in line at the grocery store. Wait to see the doctor. Wait for lab results. Wait for insurance approval.

We all wait for something. As I write, I’m waiting for my pain medicine to “kick in.”

As patients, it feels like we spend far too many hours in waiting rooms–not getting much else accomplished. It seems like such a waste of time, energy, and money. But once again I’m reminded that God’s ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8).

My days “out” are often spent seeing doctors. I have seven specialists: a pain doctor, rheumatologist, endocrinologist, ophthalmologist, gastroenterologist, and psychiatrist (to manage the depression). And when a new symptom pops up I see another ‘ologist!

Many years ago, I felt robbed because of weekly doctor appointments and medical tests that kept me from spending time with my precious children.

While in the hospital one night I opened my Bible and Genesis 41:52 jumped off the page and nailed itself to my heart:

“I have made you fruitful in the land of your affliction.”

At that moment, I knew my ministry was to encourage others while on this journey. Now I was on a mission to make the most of every opportunity for God’s kingdom. This time was not a waste after all.

From then on, I came to my appointments armed with tracts and books, ready to give out smiles and hugs. I asked God to open doors to share His love and He did . . . every single time. This redirected my focus from self, to others.

When we let God turn our waiting into serving, it brings such joy and purpose as we run the race. Then it doesn’t seem like waiting anymore, but living!

Prayer: Father God, give us patience as we wait on You. Teach us to rest in You during delays in our lives. May we be sensitive to Your voice when You place hurting people in our path. Show us specifically how to to share Your love, and teach us how to live in peace while we wait on You. In Jesus name, Amen.

About the Author:
Angie Dugi lives in Texas with her husband and their three children. For almost two decades she has struggled with Lupus, Sjogrens, fibromyalgia, and RA. She loves to write and delights in telling others about Jesus. She is the author of “What I Learned Lying Down-Hope for the Chronically ill” and “GodSmiles.” You can find her blog at http://www.mygodsmiles.net